Graduating from anything is a major milestone in life, often celebrated with those who mean the most to us, especially family. It’s a time when we transition from childhood to early adulthood, take on new responsibilities, and celebrate the fact that we’re ready to take on life.

For Paul Marshall Jr., a special needs teen from Louisiana, graduating from high school wasn’t something he could share with his mother, LaTanya Delphine Wilson Marshall, as she passed away in 2010. Even though she wasn’t there physically to see him graduate in 2020, Paul Jr. made sure she was part of his special day by visiting her grave to share his achievement.

Whether it’s graduating from high school, university, or any institution where hard work has been put in, the day your efforts are recognized is a significant occasion. That’s why graduation ceremonies hold so much value for both the graduates and their supporters.

It’s particularly difficult when the people you love and who have supported you can’t come to your graduation. This absence is felt deeply, especially when they are no longer with us. Their absence can cast a shadow over the joyous occasion, but their memory and support still linger in the hearts of the graduates.

This was the case for Paul Jr., a teen with special needs whose mother passed away in 2010. His mother had been a constant source of support until cancer sadly took her away. Paul Jr. had already faced a tough life with only one functioning kidney and a defective heart, and he had several critical moments in his young life. Additionally, he was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Despite all these challenges, Paul Jr. never lost his optimism.

“If you’re having a bad day, or going through something, Paul Jr. is the person you want to be around and talking to that day,” his father said.

Paul Sr. also shared that his son wanted to include his late mother in his graduation day for a poignant reason: “She always wanted the best for Paul Jr. Her last dying words were, ‘I just want to see Paul Jr. graduate.’”

This is a wish that resonates deeply with any mother. So, when the time of his graduation came, Paul Jr. made sure that his mother’s memory was part of his celebration. Captured in a video, the touching moment has been shared online, allowing everyone to honor his wonderful achievement.

The video shows Paul Jr., looking sharp in a button-up shirt, tie, and pants, walking through the cemetery to his mother’s grave with a bouquet in hand. He then shares the big news with her: “Mommy, I have something to say, that I did it. I did it. I graduated today. And I know you’re so proud of me and happy. I love you so much.”

He then gently places the flowers on her grave, kisses his fingers, and touches the tombstone. It’s a precious moment that clearly highlights how proud Paul Jr. is to have graduated, and it’s easy to see that his mother would be incredibly proud of the young man he’s become. The video shows his father, overwhelmed with emotion, witnessing this tender moment.

Speaking to KSLA, Paul Jr. mentioned he would miss his days at school: “I’ll miss high school and I’m very sad about it.” He also shared that he planned to attend Bossier Parish Community College. Although there’s no further update, we are confident that Paul Jr. will go on to achieve his life goals, making his mother proud with every step he takes.

Congratulations to Paul Jr. for graduating high school — a remarkable achievement made even more special by the beautiful way he included his mother in his celebration.

What did you think of this touching video? Do you have any heartwarming graduation stories? Share your thoughts and pass on this inspiring story to your loved ones.